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WASHINGTON, DC-- Today Congressman David Wu questioned Pentagon officials about inadequate equipment still being issued to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Congressman Wu specifically wanted to know why the Pentagon has been slow to replace the World War II-era suspension webbing in helmets worn by troops in combat with a better, readily available liner. Data shows the new helmet liners better protect soldiers from traumatic brain injuries.
"Two years ago, I secured $2.2 million for the National Guard to upgrade helmets and better protect our troops in the field," said Congressman Wu. "But from what I know today, the Pentagon can not tell me if or how that money was spent. Further, while the Army recognizes the importance of the new liners and is supplying them, the Marine Corps has refused to do so. I want to know where that money is and moreover, why the Marine Corps is not listening to troops who want the increased protection of the new liners."
Officials from the Army and the Marine Corps promised to respond to Congressman Wu in writing to account for the funding.
As to why the Marine Corps has refused to use the new liners, the Marine Corps could not explain even though data showing the effectiveness of the liners was provided to each branch of the military.
Congressman Wu's questions came after he learned Oregon received $200,000 to purchase the helmet liners for all Oregon National Guard soldiers out of more than $2 million appropriated for fiscal year 2005. He found though that it remains unclear if or how the remaining funding was spent.
Congressman Wu is not a member of the subcommittee, but was asked to join the hearing because much of the discussion focused on a helmet liner made by Oregon Aero, a company based in his Congressional District.
The $2.2 million Congressman Wu secured in fiscal year 2005 was for National Guard troops. Congressman Wu is asking for an additional $5 million for fiscal year 2007.
Congressman Wu continued, "If spent as designated, my work alone will upgrade more than half of the soldiers' helmets who are currently fighting in Iraq. All branches of the military should fall in line and take an equal responsibility for the safety of our troops and provide the best equipment without having to be told."
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